On Friday evening, May 24, The Hill held its inaugural Class Day Gala for sixth formers, their families, and Hill faculty. More than 750 guests gathered in a stunningly transformed Mercer Field House to celebrate the collective academic, athletics, and artistic achievements of the class of 2013, and enjoy one last “family-style” meal together. View more photos of the event.

The spectacular evening kicked off with presentations of the Sixth Form Leadership Award to two tremendously talented leaders in the entertainment industry who are alumni of this great School. Oliver Stone ’64, Oscar-winning filmmaker and also the class’ commencement speaker, was honored as the 15th recipient of this prestigious award, a personalized collage of photos, articles, and mementos documenting Stone’s successful career. While Mr. Stone saved his remarks for the following day's Commencement ceremonies, in graciously accepting the award he did praise the talents of the musicians who performed during the Gala program -- and took note that the addition of girls to The Hill, among other changes, has given The Hill a very different and more positive spirit than he recalls from his years as a student.

The School also posthumously honored Bobby Troup ’37, accomplished singer, songwriter, jazz pianist, and actor, best known for his song “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66.” Head prefects Kimberly Breeding and Dillon McCourt presented the awards to the honorees.

The evening, emceed by Headmaster Zack Lehman and Seth Boyd and Melanie Berner, sixth form advisers and instructors of English, continued with class day student award presentations interspersed with moving videos that featured Hill students, performances by Hill’s talented student musicians and vocalists, candid and humorous class remarks offered by Arbor Orator Yilun (Allen) Zhang, and a touching farewell address to the class of 2013 by retiring Associate Headmaster Ryck Walbridge.